Spicer Tandem Drive Axles Service Manual D__R440, 460, 480, D_R461, 462, 463, 521, 581, 601, 651, 652, 653 - Manual (Page 86)

82
Wheel Differential Assembly
Adjust Pinion Position
If the gear pattern shows incorrect tooth depth contact, change
drive pinion position by altering the shim pack. Used gears
should achieve proper contact with the same shims removed
from the axle at disassembly.
Note: Check ring gear backlash after each shim change and
adjust if necessary to maintain the 0.006" to 0.018" spec-
ifications.
If the pattern is too close to the top land of the gear tooth, re-
move pinion shims. Move pinion toward the ring gear.
If the pattern is too close to the root of the gear tooth, add pin-
ion shims. Move pinion away from the ring gear.
Adjust Ring Gear Position (Backlash)
If the gear pattern shows incorrect face width contact, change
backlash by adjusting the ring gear.
If the pattern is too close to the edge of the tooth toe, move the
ring gear away from the pinion to increase backlash
1. Loosen the bearing adjuster on the teeth side of the
ring gear several notches.
2. Loosen the opposite adjuster one notch.
3. Return to adjuster on teeth side of ring gear and tight-
en adjuster until it contacts the bearing cup.
4. Continue tightening the same adjuster 2 or 3 notches
and recheck backlash.
If the pattern is concentrated at the heel (too far up
the tooth), move the ring gear toward the pinion to
decrease backlash.
5. Loosen the bearing adjuster on the teeth side of the
ring gear several notches.
6. Tighten the opposite adjuster one notch.
7. Return to adjuster on teeth side of ring gear and tight-
en adjuster until it contacts the bearing cup.
8. Continue tightening the same adjuster 2 or 3 notches
and recheck backlash.